Talk me out of it

matt · #1 24-10-2007, 06:25 PM

I currently own a C9.25 and have been quite happy with it for the last few years...but I've been offered a Takahashi Mewlon 250 at a very nice price. We're talking about a saving of several thousand $$$.

It's still going to cost me a little more than twice the price of a brand new 9.25...but those 1/20th wave optics and legendary Tak fit and finish are calling me...with the power and lure of what feels like a Siren's song

I can afford it....and I'd love to see the difference it might afford for resolution when planetary imaging.

So ...what do you think?

I'm aware I'm not going to be gaining much in terms of aperture...but for me it's a dream 10" lunar and planetary imaging machine. It's a scope in this aperture range of the quality I couldn't afford before, and hence sprung for a 9.25

I'd be selling the 9.25 to part-fund the purchase...so anyone interested in a proven performer of an SCT should get in touch via PM.

Go ahead...talk me out of it.

Rodstar (Rod) · #2 24-10-2007, 06:37 PM

Go for it, Matt! Sounds like an opportunity too good to refuse.

(I am aware that is NOT what your thread invited me to say)....

mill (Martin) · #3 24-10-2007, 06:38 PM

I am certainly not talking you out of it.
Go ahead and buy it, you know you want it

And this will happen after the buy

mick pinner · #4 24-10-2007, 06:41 PM

you know we won't, buy and be damned.

xelasnave · #5 24-10-2007, 06:44 PM

Well think about this...

On your death bed will you regret that you did not spend more time in the office?

I was a very good salesman once because I helped folk do what they were being told by their friends was not a good idea... you feel as though the step is a big one ... well its not really... its your destiny.

Frankly I think I am not going to offer your any reason why not to do it.

When opportunity knocks open the door and invite it in....

best wishes ..just do it you know you want to....

alex

Lee · #6 24-10-2007, 06:55 PM

You can't take it with you! Spend away....

matt · #7 24-10-2007, 07:01 PM

You're all making an awful lot of sense....

ving (David) · #8 24-10-2007, 07:03 PM

dont do it...

Dennis · #9 24-10-2007, 07:06 PM

Just do it Matt, although keep in mind the more expensive Tak accessories and perhaps a beefier mount? I wouldn’t hesitate one moment!

Cheers

Dennis

mill (Martin) · #10 24-10-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ving

dont do it...

What the?
But but he has to do it

Nevyn · #11 24-10-2007, 07:08 PM

I believe Queensland could do with a little rain at the moment, and with a purchase like this one you could probably end the drout in two states

Sorry for my SOH!
Brad

h0ughy (David) · #12 24-10-2007, 07:59 PM

your askingus to tell you no - no way, you cant take it with you when your gone.

matt · #13 24-10-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

your askingus to tell you no - no way, you cant take it with you when your gone.

Er...not really, Dave.

More like hoping to accumulate enough 'go for its' that they'll clear the conscience!

So far...there aren't too many arguments in the negative.

Hmmm.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #14 24-10-2007, 08:09 PM

and what happens if you aren't happy with it?

You no longer have the 9.25 that you are happy with, and stuck with an expensive scope you don't like.
Is it possible for you to test taking an image thru one before you actually commit, to see if it is what you expect?

Temptation can be a curse, test before you buy.

matt · #15 24-10-2007, 08:11 PM

Wise words...Sir Kenneth.

I'd most likely sell the 9.25 after purchasing the Mewlon.

Tak come with a pretty good reputation for quality control.

And this will come with the usual warranty etc etc

In the unlikely event it proves to be a lemon...it'd be sent home.

davidpretorius · #16 24-10-2007, 08:47 PM

paul haese was looking at mewlons and i really really like what dennis produces.

peter did have issues with his tak (refractor) and there was a real pain in the ass cos it had to go back to japan...........

make sure of the warranty and if possible do some star tests etc.

dugnsuz (Doug) · #17 24-10-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt

Go ahead...talk me out of it.

I believe you need to post this on AstronomyWidows.com for that answer!

Doug

RB (Andrew) · #18 25-10-2007, 03:57 AM

The Mewlon 250 is excellent Matt.
Which mount will you be using it on?

Dennis · #19 25-10-2007, 06:56 AM

Hi Matt

It’s worth noting that the world class images of Jupiter on this Forum produced by imagers such as Bird and Mike are captured with 13 ½ and 12 inch OTA’s; Damien uses a 14 inch SCT (you knew that – great article by the way!

).

10” is only 10” and I know from practical experience that there is only so much image scale I can squeeze out of my Mewlon 180.

Cheers

Dennis

matt · #20 25-10-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

Hi Matt

It’s worth noting that the world class images of Jupiter on this Forum produced by imagers such as Bird and Mike are captured with 13 ½ and 12 inch OTA’s; Damien uses a 14 inch SCT (you knew that – great article by the way!

).

10” is only 10” and I know from practical experience that there is only so much image scale I can squeeze out of my Mewlon 180.

Cheers

Dennis

Very true, Dennis...A few considerations which have certainly crossed my mind in my thought processes.

As I said in my original post, I'm aware the Mewlon isn't much of a step up in terms of aperture from the 9.25.

But this isn't a decision inititated by aperture fever.

I'm not sure I would really want to go any bigger than 10"? I don't have an observatory or anything vaguely resembling a permanent set-up.

What I'm really keen to see is the quality of image a 10" Mewlon is capable of producing.

While it might not produce the quality of image Damian or Mike produce with their scopes, that might end up having as much to do with my inferior processing skills as much as any limitation of the M250? That's something I am working on, BTW. I've thrown myself fully into unravelling the 'mystery' of Photoshop. So, I might see a little improvement in my images in about...oh...let's see....three years!!!

Anyway, certainly 10" will have a hard time competing with 12" or 14" for that extra little bit of light and extra resolution.

Still...I'm fascinated to see what the M250 is capable of, given its F12 3000mm focal length and first class optics. That should certainly deliver plenty of image scale and coupled with it 1/20th wave optics...that should deliver quite a wallop!!!

The truth is, I've just not seen an awful lot of planetary images taken with the M250. I don't have a lot of photographic evidence by which to measure it, and that seems a little odd, although understandable given its cost and somewhat limited application due to its slow F ratio.

I suspect it might certainly hold its own in the company of mass-produced 12" OTAs?